October 24, 2011 – – – Minus Day 7; aka (-7)
I checked in to MDA at 8:30PM and reminded the nurses that I had reserved a non-smoking room with a nice view. After all I am paying a fortune to stay in this place. 🙂
At this stage, my transplant count down, from -7 days down to zero, has officially started. Once we hit day zero, I will be done with Chemo and the Donor’s Stem Cells will be injected into my empty tank. That’s when we will start counting to day 30, “the” day when typically Stem Cell patients are released from MDA (I can be released sooner if I recover faster than the typical patient). The cool part is that I will end up with a new blood type, just like my mother and sisters. I will go from a B+ to an O+. I will finally feel that I am part of the family. Being the only B always made me feel like an outsider. I am also hoping that this will help me better understand them … it should. 🙂
It’s 11:45PM now and I just got my computers connected and room wired the way it should be. I have to be honest with you. The nurse just did a very thorough review of what I will be given and discussed what I will be going through … m,m,m … I thought of calling it off and asking Jacqueline to come and take me home. For the first time I can honestly say that the “way” the possibilities and expectations of the side effects were described, made me blink … it sounded as if the furnace was just turned 7 times hotter … however, as this thought started messing with my mind, I was reminded of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and how they were not alone and came out not even smelling like fire … that is when immediately another thought came to mind, Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – PTL
Well, it’s time to hit the sack. They assured me that every 3 hours they will be checking my vital signs (i.e. no sleep for me). I call it room service every three hours, that’s why it costs a fortune to stay here. 🙂 One last thought before I start snoring … Truly His peace is beyond understanding … I am going to sleep like a baby since I know that I am being carried on the everlasting arms of the Lord – Deuteronomy 33:27 – – – you must love it, and get it, if you don’t have it. Seriously.
To the faithful believers, I am counting on your faithful prayers. I cannot thank you enough. Good night.
Sami Lahoud 
Sami, Jacqueline and kids, the John family is praying and will continue to do so. We love you!
My beloved, I’m praying with you and all your faithful friends. I will tell you now that I have a vision of your story beyond these trials. I can see it by faith what you will do and the affects on others. Your latter end will be greater than your beginning. You will testify about what I’m saying not many days hence. In his love… U’r BRO BROTHA 🙂
Sami,
Right before going to bed, I took my phone to check the alarm, noticed I have a new email from your blog, yes I get all the updates regularly :), I had to read it! I even woke up Drita to share this with her. You continue to be in our prayers and we know you will go through the transplant with a breeze just like you have gone through other challenges before. You know, I was reading this portion: “…I can be released sooner if I recover faster than the typical patient” – I would say “extraordinary” fits you better, so that is a given!
God bless!
-albert
Bon courage, bon courage, bon courage dear lahoud family! 🙂 “To “b” or not to “b”, this is the question, now! 🙂 i am sure that everything is going to “b”-“o” llright! 🙂 Ne sois pas trop gentil avec les infirmieres, sinon elles te garderont pour longtemps la-bas! 🙂 car tu es comme un rayon de soleil dans cet hopital… bon courage a nouveau. bisous
My Dear Cousin, you are in our prayer every day, be strong. Soon hopefully it will be a past, sad episode but with a beautiful and successful end. Love u always. Jiji
Bonjour samsoum
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Love you samasoum and praying that this week God will hold you tight in His arms and comfort you and relief your pain and discomfort… I know He is in control…
Isaiah 41:10
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Sami,
You are a strong and determined man. Inshallah this ordeal will be over soon. You are in my prayers
Sami, we read your entries, and wait for your inspiration and your humor 😀 We miss you lots, and pray for your speedy recovery. Love and kisses to you, Jaqueline, and the trio.
Rula and Hani
Once again you inspire (and entertain in the process). You will be in the prayers of my Sunday School class.
“Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered…… He has shown his people the power of his works ” Psalm 111:2-3-4-6
“Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear.” Psalm 112: 6-7-8
“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Psalm 91:15-16
You made me laugh so much ya Samsoum, and you made me cry when I read how tough this is on you!
You are not alone habibi, you have what we all wish to have “The Lord Almighty”. Keep smiling, stay strong and with a faith like yours! Nothing but good results and awesome ending. Soon enough the 36 days if not sooner, will be over my Brother.
I love you dearly, and we are all praying fervently for you.
” Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:1-3
Love you Samsoum.
Niyelak ya Sami a hal peace of mind 🙂
Always on mind, and praying for you, you’ve got a great sense of humor ;), hope that doesn’t change with the blood type 😛 .
With the help of God and loved ones you’ve made it so far, and it’s just amazing to watch how you’re dealing with this whole thing.
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Love you Sami
تشدد وتشجع لا ترهب ولا ترتعب لان الرب الهك معك. Be strong as you are. We love you soooooo much. God bless you & your family.
Nothing to say except your words touch all our hearts Sami… we will keep praying daily for you not only for full recover but also for God glory in your life . Keep strong, I think God have a good plan for you in the future to serve him . Blessing my dear and God help you till full recover .
Dear Sami
You made me laugh and cry at the same time. Laughter of who you are even in the midst of a tough trial but you still the same Sami who I know and admir. Tears of joy and adoration to our God, who is surly in control, holding you on his everlasting arms. Rest in HIM and he will get you out victorius. I had similar vision as Ted, that the Lord is up to something good through you in the futur for his Glory. We will continue to pray for you and the rest of the family. Do not be afraid says the Lord. Love Laila
Habibi Sami,
I thank the Lord for your courage and your faith that are so uplifting to us all. Someone once said “You can tell the measure of a man by how much it takes to discourage him.” And you have proved so far, despite all your trials and the fiery furnace which you’re going through, that you are a man after God’s own heart and nothing can dissuade you from seeing His goodness and love even through pain and hardships; What a good role model to all of us!
We will continue to fight next you through fervent prayers and supplications. The Lord reminded me of this verse a few days ago and I have been claiming it over you…. “The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness.” Psalm 41:3
Hallelujah what a promise!!
Love you so much ya habibi,
Amal
Sami you are in our prayers daily.. thank you for your uplifting blog! The miracle is that you are able to encourage us all ….. May God carry you in the palm of His hand… that was very interesting about you having a new blood type.. it’s like you’re taking science 101 as you’re going thru this learning all sorts of things you’d rather not know! May God help you recover quicker than expected and keep us updated if the new blood type really does make you understand the rest of your family!!